Chapter 29
I still couldn't believe it!
That was absurd!
Is he serious about hiring Icarus as my bodyguard?! Impossible! Unbelievable! The last time I knew, Travis was mad at Icarus to the core! I bet he even curse him to death. That's how mad Travis are to Icarus... but now?
I don't know anymore.
I sighed for the ninth time. Kahapon pa iyon nangyari at nandito ako sa bahay namin ngayon, tulala pa rin ako at 'di makapaniwala.
"Demitri, give me a cup of tea, please?" I asked the old maid.
Sinunod naman kaagad nito ang aking sinabi. Nakaupo ako sa isang upuan sa labas ng garden namin dito. I am wearing a thin cloth na turtle neck. Ang mga anak ko naman ay kasama ng papa nila at nag-grocery. Kasama rin nila ang gilfriend ni Preece na kagaya niya ay isang freelance photographer rin. Yeah, yeah, that ugly man has a gilfriend. Nakakasanaol nga, eh.
Awit, sanaol may jowa.
Napatingin ako sa laptop na nasa aking harapan, kanina pa ako nandito pero hindi maproseso ng utak ko ang aking ginagawa. I am currently working on the business I've built years ago. Oo nga't medisina ang propesyon ko ngunit nakasanayan ko ng mag negosyo. Haler? I've been an online seller when I was on 4th year of high school.
As of now, may mga boutiques na akong naipatayo dito sa bansang ito. A clothing line. Dad helped me to build my own company kahit maliit lang siya at sa awa naman ng diyos, paunti unti ay lumalago na ito at sumisikat. Aside from that, I also have a lot of investments. And Preece-- as a supportive best friend- is my photographer. I could say he's sort of celebrity. Their page on facebook and Instagram has a millions followers. They were followed by celebrities, high socialite. Kahit nga iyong mga royalties ay hangang hanga sa kay Preece at sa girlfriend nito.
Nakakainggit.
Napanguso ako nang mawala na naman ako sa atensyon. Kung saan saan nalang lumilipad ang aking utak.
"Do you have a problem?" Narinig kong tanong ng isang baritonong boses mula sa aking likuran.
Napasinghap ako sa gulat at napahawak sa aking dibdib.
Fuck!
Galit kong binalingan ang taong nagsalita. Magkasalubong ang makakapal na kilay niya habang nag aalalang nakatingin sa akin.
"What the hell! 'Wag ka ngang nanggugulat!" I exclaimed.
He blinked his eyes. "Ano'ng problema?" he asked again, binalewala ang aking tanong.
Umirap ako at marahas na nagbuga ng hangin. "Nothing." I said and looked away. "And it's none of your business."
"Maybe I could help?" he spoke.
"No, thank you. I can handle." mataray kong sabi at humigop sa aking tsaa. "Can you please get out of my sight? You're irritating." I complained.
Hindi siya nakasagot.
Tiningnan ko siya at tinaasan ng kilay.
"Alright." He smiled a bit and shrugged off his shoulders.
Umawang ang labi ko. That's it? Aalis na kaagad siya isang salita ko lang?
I tsked.
Travis was really serious. Pagkagising ko kaninang umaga ay narito na agad si Icarus at pormal na nakasuot ng puting polo at black jeans. It suits him very well. Ang gwapo niya sa suot niya at ang bango pa.
Nakabrush up din ang kaniyang buhok na mas lalong nagpapabagay sa kaniyang porma ngayon. Kulang nalang ay barong tagalog at gitara, para na siyang manghaharana.
I really don't know what's happening. Kung bakit naging bodyguard ko nalang siya bigla. At kung bakit siya narito sa states samantalang may desente naman siyang trabaho sa pilipinas. And gosh, the last news I heard was he already replaced his father's position as a CEO on their own company.
Then what's happening now?
Isang hamak na bodyguard ko lang siya ngayon.
Hindi sa pang-d-discriminate sa chosen job niya but... anak siya ng isang bilyonaryo eh. How am I suppose to think?
Feeling ko talaga may something na nangyayari eh.
Malakas 'yong kutob ko na magkakuntsaba si Travis at Icarus.
What the fuck?
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH HINDI AKO MAKAPAG-CONCENTRATE!
There were a lot of questions running in my head and it's making me frustrated kasi wala namang ibang makakasagot nito unless I have a courage to ask my bodyguard myself. Or puwede rin si Travis.
Yawa! Bwiset!
"Mama!"
Hindi naman nagtagal ay dumating na rin ang mga bata kasama si Preece at ang girlfriend nito na nakasuot ng ball cup at balot na balot ang katawan. She needed that though, she is after all an actress and a high paid model. Bata pa ang babaeng 'to, mga nasa bente dos o bente tres pero sobrang successful na sa buhay.
Sana all...
Pinaliguan ko kaagad ang mga bata matapos naming kumain ng tanghalian. Si Avan ay pinasuot ko ng kaniyang pambahay na damit at si Franco naman ang gumagawa ng sakaniya.
Matapos iyon ay pinulbuhan ko na ang mga leeg nila at nilagyan ng lotion ang kanilang katawan.
"Thanks, mama!" They cheered and kissed both of my cheeks.
Ngumiti ako at hinalikan silang dalawa sa pisngi.
Sabay kaming bumaba ng kwarto.
"Nasaan na si Zia?" tanong ko kay S.
Napakamot siya sa kaniyang pisngi. "Umalis na."
"Oh? Ang bilis naman ata?" tanong ko habang pinupulot ang mga laruan sa carpeted floor sa sala at nilagay ko ito sa box.
"Yeah, urgent daw, eh."
Tinulungan niya ako sa pagpulot ng mga laruan.
"Hinatid mo na sana." Tahimik kong sabi.
"May service na sumundo sa kaniya sa labas ng bahay mo,"
"Dapat in-insist mo pa rin."
"Tss. 'Yoko nga."
Hinarap ko siya at pinaweywangan. "Alam mo, S... kung hindi ka naman seryoso sa kaniya, hiwalayan mo na kaagad. 'Wag 'yung pinapaasa mo pa ang tao at pilit mong sinasakal kung sa huli ay wala ka naman pala talagang nararamdaman. 'Wag kang buang, uy."
He pouted. "Hindi ko siya pinapaasa, 'no? Girlfriend ko nga."
Mas lalo akong nameywang. "Preece, kilala kita. Don't you dare to hurt Zia or else, ako ang makakalaban mo. She's too naive and innocent para sa isang heartbreak. Mabait din siya sa mga pamangkin mo. Saan ka pa makakahanap ng babaeng ganyan? Family orientated at 'di makabasag pinggan?"
"Hindi ko naman siya sasaktan, Sunny." He rolled his eyes.
"Hindi sasaktan, your ass! Pang ilang babae na ba 'yan sa list ng mga gustong mong durugin ang puso?"
Sumeryoso ang kaniyang mukha. "Seryoso ako kay Zia."
I rolled my eyes. "Ganyan rin ang sinabi mo no'ng huli. 'Wag ako S, 'wag ako. Kilalang-kilala na kita." Umismid ako. "Please, Preece, I like Zia for you, mabait siya at maalaga. You see, noong nagkasakit ka, sino bang nag alaga sa'yo? At bukod doon, iniwan niya ang permanenteng trabaho niya para lang makasama sa'yo sa pagkuha ng mga litrato. Naku! Ewan ko nalang talaga sa'yo 'pag pinakawalan mo pa siya."
Nag-argyumento pa kami saglit ni Preece sa sala at nagpatigasan ng tingin. Sa huli ay siya na ang sumuko at nakipag-kaibigan muli sa akin.
Rupok.
Bukas ay aalis na naman si Preece at lilipad patungong Thailand para sa isang shoot na gaganapin. Kasama rin nito ang girlfriend niya na grabe kong makasuporta sa nobyo.
"Where's my room?" A baritone voice asked.
Napataas ang kilay ko. "Ano?"
He roamed his eyes. "Asan ang magiging kwarto ko rito?"
My brows furrowed. "Kwarto?"
He nodded. "Kwarto ko, nasaan?"
I grimaced. "Wala kang kwarto rito."
Nagsalubong ang kaniyang kilay. "There must be one..." he trailed off. "Unless you want to share your bed with me?"
Napanganga ako.
"Yabang, gago." I frowned.
Ngumisi siya. "Well?"
I rolled my eyes and assisted him to one of the guestrooms. My house is a two-storey na may anim na kwarto. Share ang dalawang bata sa isang samantalang tag-iisa naman kami ni Preece. He has his own house but he often stay here with us sa tuwing wala siyang work. Wala siya ngayong gabi dahil may flight sila mamayang alas dies ng gabi.
"Thanks, baby--- I mean, Miss." Icarus cleared his throat as we stopped in front of a certain room in this house. Nasa first floor kami, sa may maid's quarter.
"You'll be staying here. May dust kaunti 'yong floor then hindi pa na-change 'yong pillowcase, pati 'yong bedsheet. May broom diyan and dustpan. Ikaw na maglinis kasi tulog na si Demitri. I'll be back para dahil iyong pamalit ng mga sheets."
"Sure, thanks." He said nonchalantly.
Napaawang ang labi ko. So, that's it? Papayag siyang dito ko siya papatulugin?
Umirap ako. "Whatever,"
__
Kinabukasan, late akong nagising kumpara sa nakasanayan. I was busy the whole night processing my files and papers para sa magiging flight ko sa pilipinas. Ang mga bata naman ay iiwan ko muna kina daddy at sila na muna ang mag aalaga sa mga ito.
Wala pa rin kasi akong matitirhang bahay sa pilipinas at maghahanap pa lang. Ayaw ko namang bumalik at tumira roon sa mansion dahil sa mga alaalang nangyari noon. Though, sinabihan ko naman na si Seth na ayusin ang condo unit na binili ko, mga ilang linggo ay matatapos na rin ito. The furniture weren't complete yet.
Marami na rin akong naisip na gagawin pagbalik ko sa bansa at lahat ay nilista ko sa notes ko para syurbol na magawa ko talaga lahat.
Nag-toothbrush at naghilamos na muna ako ng mukha pagkabangon ko mula sa kama. I brushed my hair and tied it into half ponytail bago ako lumabas ng kwarto.
As soon as I went out, a strong and delicious aroma suddenly invaded my nostrils coming from the island kitchen.
I went downstairs and my feet headed me towards the smell's direction.
"Do you know what's your mama's favorite food, Avan?"
"Yup! It's ginintoang talong, Rus."
"You're wrong, Avan. It's ginitaan, not ginintoang." Franco corrected his twin.
"Whatever. It's still the same,"
"Alright. Other than ginitaang talong, twins?" Icarus asked.
"Bulalo!" the boys said with conviction.
"Great!" Icarus said. "How about color? Do you know what's your mama's favorite color?"
"It's yellow." ani Franco.
"Nope!" iling naman ni Avan. "It's hazel brown."
"Whatever, Avan." Franco rolled his eyes. "She like those two."
Icarus' eyes danced in amusement as the corner of his lips rose up while talking to the twins.
"Okay, next question." he said. "Favorite drink?"
"Milk!" They exclaimed.
"Your mama loves milk, huh?" Icarus murmured. "Hmm... how about favorite accessory?"
"Necklaces, Rus."
"Necklaces?" he asked. Tumango ang dalawang bata.
The kids was sitting on the high stool chair and Icarus was in front of them, standing.
"Does she drink alcohols?"
"Nah. She's not allowed to drink alcohol Papa told us," sagot ni Franco. "We don't like mama getting drunk. I've seen uncle Travis once and it's really horrible. He vomited. Gross! We don't want mama experience that thing. And our teacher also said it's bad for the health. Our liver might get hurt," he said. "But... Tito Travis were drinking that though... maybe he's an exemption? He doesn't get hurt. He's been drinking that even before we're still little like this," Franco demonstrated by using his forefinger and thumb.
"That's because he's sad, Franco." Avan said. "You know, remember tita Trisha? She's his twin... and unfortunately, she's gone."
"Yeah. Daddy-Lo introduced me to her through photo albums." Franco said and shrugged his shoulders. "Papa said alcohol is bad for the health, so why tito Travis drinking it? I don't want him to die! I love Tito," Napanguso si Franco at humalikipkip.
"Yeah, me too." sagot naman ng kakambal niya.
"So, boys. I'm gonna ask again, may I?"
"Sure!"
"Okay." Icarus clasped his fingers together as his eyes turned seriouns. "I'm going to whisper it,"
Nanlaki ang mata ng mga bata, halatang na-e-excite sa ano mang sasabihin ni Icarus. Knowing twins, they're fan at thrills.
"I'm in!" Avan said.
"Me too!" sunod namang sabi ni franco.
Dumukwang si Icarus papalapit sa mga bata at tinakip ang kaniyang dalawang kamay sa baba niya.
May ibinulong siya sa mga ito.
The twins suddenly giggled as they shook their heads.
"Nope!" they answered.
Icarus' expression lit up. "That's good."
I grimaced. Ano naman kaya ang pinag usapan nila? At mukhang close na kaagad ang mga ito sa isa't isa, ah?
Tumikhim ako para agawin ang kanilang atensyon.
Napalingon sila sa akin.
Tinaasan ko saglit ng kilay si Icarus bago ako ngumiti sa kambal.
"Good morning, mama!"
"Morning, boys. How was your sleep?" Hinalikan ko sila sa noo.
"It went good po, mama. I didn't dreamt monsters last night." ani Franco.
Sunod namang sumagot si Avan habang nakangiti. "I dreamt of having a car! A real big car!"
"Wow!" I clapped my hands in glee as I kissed them again.
"Mama, we've cooked a breakfast for you!"
"Really, boys? Ano naman 'yun?" tanong ko at nilingon si Icarus.
Nakatayo na siya ngayon at nakalagay ang dalawang kamay sa likuran niya na para bang on-duty na talaga ang loko. Malamig na rin ang kaniyang mga mata.
Umikot ang mga mata ko.
"It's pancakes and sunny side up eggs," Imbes na ang mga bata ang sumagot ay si Icarus ang nagsalita
"Ikaw ba tinatanong ko?" Mataray kong tanong.
Napakurap siya at napatikhim. Umayos siya nang pagkakatayo.
I pouted and scoffed at him.
"Where's Demitri, kids?" Nilingon ko ang mga bata.
"It's her off today, mama, remember?" Avan said while hugging my neck.
"Yeah, I forgot. Thanks." I nodded, my brows slowly meeting each other. Nagtaka ako. "Eh, sino pala ang nag---" Napatingin ako bigla kay Icarus. Siya ba ang nagluto ng breakfast? "--nevermind."
Sabay kaming apat kumain ng breakfast namin. Salita lang nang salita si Franco at nakikipag usap sa dalawa pang lalaki. Ako naman ay tahimik lang, minsan ay natatawa sa mga topic nila.
They're so cute.
Icarus was very fond of my children. Nakikipag-usap siya sa mga ito at nakikipagtawanan. They even talk about their favorite toys. He told my kids about his collection and promised that he'll give them one once we went back here. I found myself while looking at them dreamily.
Mabilis ko namang sinaway ang sarili.
"I'll wash the dishes." Presinta niya habang nagliligpit ako ng mga kinain namin. Kakatapos lang naming mag-breakfast. Ang mga bata ay naroon na sa sala at nanonood ng cartoons.
Hindi ko siya nilingon nang sumagot ako. "No, thank you. Kaya ko naman."
"I insist, I'll wash it." He seriously said at nauna ng pumwesto sa may sink.
"Bahala ka." I shrugged and rolled my eyes.
He smiled.
"Mga anak!" sigaw ko sa mga bata mula sa kusina. "Go upstairs and take a bath! Susunod ako sa inyo!"
"Ooooowkaaaaaayy!" they exclaimed.
"They were so jolly." narinig kong sabi ni Icarus habang may maliit na ngiti sa labi.
Hinarap ko kaagad siya nang mawala na ang mga bata. He looked back at me and flashed as small smile.
Nagtagis ang mga bagang ko. I took a deep breath and looked away. "I don't like you talking to my children. You are hired only as a bodyguard, nothing less and nothing more. Know your boundaries and have some professionalism." I coldly said before I turned my back and went upstairs, leaving him behind, stunned.
It just didn't sounds good.
I was doubtful if he really is my bodyguard pero kung totoo naman, then he must work professionally. No personal questions and no personal talks. Just work only.
The next day, bumalik na ulit si Demitri kaya walang Icarus ang makikialam sa kusina ko. Dito siya tumitira sa bahay ko habang nandito pa ako sa US. Hindi ko lang alam kung saan siya mananatili kapag nakarating na kami ng pilipinas.
Is he required to follow me wherever I go?
May day off kaya siya? Hindi ko pa kasi natatanong si kuya ukol dito. I was still in a midst of confusion up until now. Del Cianco is well-known family name. Mayaman, makoneksyon at makapangyarihan ang pamilya nila kaya nakakapagtakang isang bodyguard lang ang bagsak ng isa sa miyembro ng kanilang pamilya. And not just that, Icarus Del Cianco is Vinnunt's heir. They owned malls and condominiums around the world tapos ang alam ko ay may wining business rin daw ang magpipinsan na Kalib, Cedrick, Hyas, Fire at si Icarus.
They must be playing games with me.
Suddenly, doubts crept into my head.
Why was he here?
Bakit siya naging bodyguard ngayon?
Bakit siya ang na-hire ni kuya para bantayan ako?
There must've a reason.
"Icarus." I called his attention. Nakaupo siya sa pang isahang sofa at nanonood ng TV. He looked at me and stood up.
"Yes, ma'am?"
Pinagkrusan ko siya ng braso. "Seriously, give a valid reason kung bakit ka nandito?"
"I am hired to guard and protect you, ma'am." maikling sagot niya.
Sinamaan ko siya nang tingin. "I am serious. Bakit nga?"
He shook his head.
"Answer me!" I shouted, pissed off. "Why are you here, showing yourself up as a bodyguard? Are you freaking kidding me? My God! Mayaman kayo tapos bodyguard ka lang? Gago ka ba?"
"I was hire only to guard and protect you, ma'am. Not to answer your confusion and question. So if you don't mind, I'll take my leave now."
Tinalikuran niya ako.
Napaawang ang labi ko sa kaniyang sagot sa akin. Aba! Walang modo 'to, ah!
Hinakwit ko siya sa braso. "Gago ka, boi?"
"No, ma'am. I'm just doing my job." he said formally. "I'm being professional here."
"I don't like your professionalism! Answer my question! I am your boss!"
"I was hired by Mr. Travis Madrigal, ma'am. Therefore, he's my boss." He said, hiding a smirk. "He tasked me to look for you every now and then but that doesn't mean you're my new employer now."
Nagtagis ang mga bagang ko at mabilis ko siyang tinalikuran. "Putanginamoka!" I hissed.
Gago! Gagost! Gagoier! Gagonistic! Gagoooooo!
Walang kwentang kausap!
Akala ko ba gusto mong maging propesyonal siya sa kaniyang trabaho, Sunshine? 'Wag mo sabihing nagbago na ang isip mo? Sigaw ng isang bahagi ng aking utak.
Aish! Kung alam ko lang na magiging robot pala siya, sana 'di ko nalang sinabi iyong mga katagang iyon, eh.
Napabuga ako nang maharas na hininga.
In a snap, I saw myself hugging my children. Nandito ako sa bahay nina Helios at Luna kasama ang mga bata. Today is my flight to Philippines from USA. Iiwan ko muna ang mga bata sa lolo't lola nila habang nandoon ako sa pilipinas. Their papers was still on going to process para makatravel na sila. Mga 2 to 3 months ay susunod rin naman na sila sa akin sa pinas at mukhang kasama rin sina daddy.
"Be a good boys here, ha? Mommy will going to miss you, little guys."
Humihikbi si Franco habang nakalambitin ang mga braso sa aking leeg. "M-mama... bring me w-with you, mama." he said between sobbing.
"Susunod naman kayo kay mama doon, eh. Don't cry na..." masuyong kong sabi at hinagod ang kaniyang likuran. "Tapos may school ka pa rito. Gusto mo bang iwan ang mga kaklase mo dito? How about Anastasia? Crush mo 'yun 'di ba?"
"What?! No!" Mas lalo siyang umiyak.
Natawa ako at nilingon si dad na nakangiti at bakas sa mukha ang pag aalala.
"It's okay, dad." I mouthed.
Pinatahan ko muna si Franco bago ko siya ibinigay kay daddy. Si Avan naman ang sinunod kong kinausap. I cupped his face. "Be a good boy here, alright? 'Wag kayong magpapasakit ng ulo sa Daddy-Lo niyo."
"Yes, mama. Wuv you." he smiled.
"Love you, too." I kissed his cheek. "Love you, Franco." I kissed Franco's head, too.
I waved my hands and bid my goodbye before I went in into the car.
"Let's go?" narining kong sabi ni Icarus.
"Wait." Binuksan ko ang bintana at nag flying kiss sa kanila. "Good bye, babies. Take care!"
Halos ikamatay na ni Franco ang pag iyak. "Nooooooo!"
"W-wuv you, m-mama..." pumiyok ang boses ni Avan tumulo na ang nagbabadyang luha nito kanina pa.
His lips was trembling as it curves downwards. Bigla nalang itong sininok.
I couldn't help to get teary eyes. "I love you! Mama loves you so, so much. Bye..." Sinira ko na ang bintana upang 'di nila makita ang pagtulo ng aking luha.
Oh, God. I'm gonna miss them, that's for sure.
"You okay, ma'am?" he started the engine as he looked at me through rear view mirror.
"Y-yeah..." I uttered as my voice cracked.
"Tissue?"
"T-that would be lovely," tumango ako.
"Here." Instead of giving me a tissue, he gave his handkerchief.
Kunot noong sinipat ko siya at ngumuso.
Umilap ang kaniyang mga mata at tumikhim siya. "Wala pala akong tissue. 'Yan nalang. Malinis 'yan." diretsong tagalog niya.
"'Kay." I said as I took it. "Thanks, by the way."
Napangiti siya nang maliit. "You're welcome."
"Yeah,"
"You really love your children, huh?" he asked, the genuineness was laced on his voice.
"They're my life..." I said and wiped off my tear. Pinigilan ko ang sariling lumingon sa likuran ko at sa side mirror kung saan makikita ko ang oag-iyak ng mga anak ko. It's painful to see them crying, begging me not to leave them.
"You're a very wonderful mother..." he whispered.
Tumingin ako sa kaniya, nagtataka. Hindi klaro sa pandinig ko ang sinabi niya, marahil ay dahil sa mahinang tunog ng makina ng kotse "You said something?"
He shook his head. "You can keep that,"
"Hmm?"
"The hanky. You can keep that," aniya.
Napalingon bigla ako sa kaniya.
I didn't expect what he did next, the last thing I knew, my lips parted as my heart took a leap.
Did he really winked at me?